9 ways to save money and avoid debt this Black Friday

Core Insights - Retailers are extending Black Friday into a season of shopping, with Americans planning to spend nearly $900 each on holiday-related expenses according to a National Retail Federation survey [1] Budgeting and Planning - Establishing a budget is crucial for holiday shopping, with suggestions to allocate specific amounts for gifts and personal purchases [4][5] - Reviewing past spending can help consumers set a more effective budget for the current year [6] Shopping Strategies - Creating a shopping plan can mitigate impulsive buying driven by limited-time offers [6][7] - Utilizing credit cards with 0% APR introductory offers can provide a financial cushion, allowing consumers to pay off balances without accruing interest for a set period [8][9][17] Debt Management - For those with existing credit card debt, it may be wise to limit holiday spending and focus on debt repayment instead [18][19] Credit Card Rewards - Credit card rewards can enhance savings during the holiday season, with various cards offering significant bonuses for new sign-ups [20][22][31] Additional Savings Opportunities - Consumers are encouraged to seek out extra deals and discounts, including using browser extensions for online shopping and price matching in stores [26][27] - Credit card protections can safeguard purchases, providing benefits such as purchase protection and extended warranties [28][32] Targeted Offers - Credit card issuers often provide targeted shopping offers that can yield additional savings on eligible purchases [38][39]